Student food pantry now taking donations

“Located in SAC 114, IU South Bend now has a food pantry for students in need of food and hygiene items that any student or staff member may use.” Photo Credit/Joselyn Ellington

By: JOSELYN ELLINGTONStaff Writer

IU South Bend now has a food pantry for students in need of food and hygiene items that any student or staff member may use.

The items are free and the pantry is in Student Activities Center 114.

“If we can help a student with one bag of food a week, we have done what we set out to do,” said Anne Drake, disabilities specialist and teacher in the student services department, “There is no reason why any student at IUSB should go hungry.”

Drake played a major role in getting the pantry started. As a teacher, she presented to her classroom an idea. She asked them what they thought would be needed to begin a food pantry at the University.

Her class ran with the idea. They began doing research in the spring semester of 2015, learning about costs, ideas for location and where to go to get approval. The faculty and staff were all for the pursuit and the Chancellor gave his final approval.

The social work department partnered with the student services to begin the process.

“With the relocation and renovation of offices, we have finally found a place to put the pantry for now,” said Drake, “an unused concession area in the SAC which is just inside the entrance doors of the parking lot.

Titans Feeding Titans is not yet open for distribution but is looking to be within a month. On Feb. 13 there will be a Share Your Heart Food Drive.

Students, staff and community members can show love on this day by bringing donations. Drake said, “You don’t even have to get out of your vehicle.” There will be gatherers outside in the SAC parking lot, and they will come to your window and grab your bags. The event is from 9 to 10 a.m.

Donations will also be accepted during the ladies basketball game from 1 to 3 p.m inside the Student Activities Center, and you can give at anytime near the gym. There is a big blue bucket labeled Titans Feeding Titans beside the counter near the workout area.

A South Bend food pantry has also made it possible for Titans Feeding Titans to purchase food items for as little as nine cents per item. So cash, check, or money order donations are also accepted and strongly encouraged.

As soon as the shelves are stocked, distribution will be ready. Acceptable items are soap, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and all non-perishable food items.

For more information you may visit Titans Feeding Titans’ Facebook page.